Overwatch PTR update has brought in the Symmetra rework, a LFG and Endorsement system, and more

After being teased for quite a while now, the massive Symmetra rework has finally made its way to the Overwatch test servers. There are far too many changes to cover in detail, so if you're curious about what the new Symmetra is going to be like, you'll find the developer preview over at the official forums.

If you're just interested in the short version, however, then you should know that Symmetra is now going to be doing a lot more damage, but she will actually need to aim like Zarya in order to do so. The shield generator is being completely removed and the teleporter is being changed into a standard, short-ranged ability that can transport even objects like D.Va's bomb. If you're feeling particularly frisky, you can also teleport your Reinhardt directly behind the enemy team for a sneaky earthshatter!

Perhaps most interestingly of all, Symmetra's new ultimate is a fast-charging wall with 5000 HP that covers the entire map once placed. While it might sound underwhelming, it's actually incredibly powerful since constantly walking through the wall makes you incredibly hard to pin down in a chaotic fight.

So if you have a coordinated team, simply place the wall at a diagonal and use it as an enlarged Winston bubble to cover your approach and help you secure long-range duels. It's going to be interesting to see whether it makes it to live with these stats, because to be perfectly honest 5000 HP feels nearly insurmountable when you need to break through it in a hurry.

It might not be an ultimate any more, but the teleporter is still incredible!

Besides Symmetra's rework, this update has also brought in two other massive additions: a Looking for Group (LFG) system and a commendation/endorsement system. As you might imagine from the name alone, the LFG system will allow you to assemble exactly the type of team you want before queueing for a competitive game. You can enforce a 2-2-2 team composition, allow only people with microphones, and the list goes on. It's a relatively simple addition in the grand scheme of things, but I do believe it's one that will make competitive play significantly better for everyone involved.

On a similar note, the commendation system will give you the option to essentially give a thumbs up to players that show exceptional sportsmanship, teamwork or shot-calling prowess. Besides the ability to show off, this system will also give decent (yet still unnamed) rewards to players that can maintain an excellent rating for a long period of time. A carrot is always better than the stick, so in my eyes this is another really good way of promoting positivity and sportsmanship among the community.

You can learn a little bit more about these changes, as well as read the full patch notes, over at the official website. If you prefer the video version, however, allow me to leave you with Jeff Kaplan's latest Developer Update. Have a gander, and make sure to try out the new Symmetra - she really is a ton of fun now!